India Giving Day Event Grants - Call for Proposals
A call to join us in the nationwide movement to celebrate India Giving Day
Deadline for Submission February 25, 2026
India Giving Day, an initiative of the India Philanthropy Alliance, offers opportunities for individuals, communities, and organizations to celebrate the power of collective generosity. Our mission is to cultivate a culture of giving to India in America, making it more visible, impactful, and joyful.
We invite you to join this inspiring movement by organizing an India Giving Day event!
We welcome proposals from individuals, groups, and nonprofits, interested in organizing IGD-related events, with the best ideas receiving grants to help cover event costs such as snacks, venue rental, and more. Please note that grant funds are limited, and we will award grants on a rolling basis. We offer the grant opportunities described below.
GRANT OPPORTUNITY AND CRITERIA, AND APPLICATION PROCESS
JOINT EVENTS
We invite applications for hosting a collaborative gathering in a U.S. city or town with a significant Indian American population, aimed at mobilizing diaspora and donor support for IGD 2026 and for the nonprofits collaborating to host the event. For eligibility, please review the criteria below. Eligible applicants can receive grants of up to $2,000.
Eligibility Criteria for Joint Events:
- These events must be organized by at least two collaborators who might be individuals, associations, or organizations and should be open to the public.
- Event must have an attendance of at least 50 people.
- Events can be scheduled anytime in February or March 2026, with a preference for the first two weeks of March. India Giving Day is officially on March 13, but early giving begins on March 1. We will consider events that take place leading up to or shortly after this timeframe.
- If you would like to join other organizations to hold a joint event in your city, see here to sign up. You will need to coordinate with the others to apply for the grant.
- For more information, contact meenakshi@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org
Application Process for Joint Events
- Individuals, organizations or local groups (formal or informal, whether affiliated with a specific Indian charity) are eligible to apply.
- Please list all organizers and the lead contact in the application.
- Organizers of events from previous years are encouraged to apply.
- Applications are open till February 25, and evaluations are being made on an ongoing basis.
- If your event aligns with the listed criteria, we encourage you to submit your proposal here.
COMMUNITY AND ONLINE EVENTS
We invite applications for in-person community events held in cities or towns across the U.S. to mobilize diaspora and donor support for a nonprofit of your choice on IGD 2026. Each in-person event is eligible for a grant of up to $500.
Applications are also invited for online community events and each online event is eligible for a grant of up to $250.
You can apply for grants for multiple events in your application.
- Events can be private, invitation-only gatherings or open to the public.
- Event must have an attendance of at least 10 people.
- Events can be scheduled anytime in February or March 2026, with a preference for the first two weeks of March. India Giving Day is officially on March 13, but early giving begins on March 1. We will consider events that take place leading up to or shortly after this timeframe.
- Event should be hosted by an individual or group supporting one or more organizations participating in India Giving Day or an alternate charity focused on India. Organizers should hold the event with the knowledge of the selected nonprofit(s).
- The person/organization that submits the idea must be one of the driving forces responsible for implementing the event.
- Ideas proposed by individuals/community associations/youth will receive greater consideration.
- Resource Guide and Toolkit for organizing India Giving Day events in your community can be found here.
- For more information, contact dana@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org
Application Process for Community and Online Events
- Individuals, organizations or local groups (formal or informal, whether affiliated with a specific Indian charity) are eligible to apply.
- Organizers of events from previous years are encouraged to apply.
- Applications are open till February 25, and evaluations are being made on an ongoing basis.
- If your event aligns with the listed criteria, we encourage you to submit your proposal here.
Proposed ideas, whether for joint, community or online events, should aim to bring together the Indian American community and others with an affinity for India. These events should aim to observe or celebrate IGD and inspire attendees to participate in meaningful and creative ways. This could include:
- Sharing experiences and tips about donating or volunteering,
- Making commitments for 2026 and beyond,
- Spreading awareness about the benefits of thoughtful philanthropy focused on India, or
- Contributing monetary gifts.
The IGD team will consider ideas based on their creativity and ability to spread awareness about the key issues facing India today and facilitate engagement with local communities to advance the development goals of India. Any IGD-affiliated event should be inclusive, respecting all cultures and beliefs, and not invoke religion or politics.